Multi-Stage CNG Compression with Nested Insulated Tanks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The storage and distribution of compressed natural gas (CNG) are inefficient at low temperatures and result in heavy, expensive storage tanks due to the need for thick metal walls to withstand high pressures, leading to logistical challenges and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a double-walled tank with an insulative layer to maintain temperature and pressure, incorporating a two-stage compression process that generates heat for efficient fuel distribution and reduces tank weight by using thinner walls, allowing for lighter and more cost-effective large capacity tanks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If CNG is stored in large capacity tanks at high pressures (3,000-3,600 psi), then storage capacity is improved, but tank weight increases due to thick steel walls required to withstand the pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested tank configuration where an inner tank storing CNG at high pressure (3,000-3,600 psi) is placed inside an outer tank storing CNG at low pressure (5-25 psi). The inner tank uses thinner walls because it stores less total gas, while the outer tank provides additional storage capacity at lower pressure. This nesting arrangement achieves large total storage capacity without requiring a single massive high-pressure tank with prohibitively thick walls, thereby reducing overall tank weight while maintaining high storage capacity.
2Productivity
If municipal gas supply pressure is increased to improve fuel distribution speed, then productivity is improved, but the operational integrity of the municipal gaseous supply line is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary compression of municipal gas supply pressure in two stages before distribution. A first compressor raises pressure from municipal levels (5-25 psi) to an intermediate level (50-500 psi), and a second compressor further raises it to high pressure (3,000-3,600 psi) for storage. This preliminary multi-stage compression allows the system to achieve high-pressure storage and fast distribution capability without subjecting the municipal supply line to high pressures, thereby maintaining productivity while preserving the integrity and reliability of the municipal gas supply infrastructure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system achieves significant weight savings, reduced manufacturing costs, and improved efficiency in CNG storage and distribution by maintaining optimal temperature and pressure, while minimizing the impact on the municipal gas supply system.
Implementation Method 1
A system utilizing a double-walled tank with an insulative layer to maintain temperature and pressure
Implementation Method 2
a first compression unit configured to compress the hydrocarbon gas from the inlet line to a second pressure, a first storage vessel configured to receive the hydrocarbon gas from the first compression unit for storage at the second pressure, a second compression unit configured to compress the hydrocarbon gas from the first storage vessel to a third pressure
Implementation Method 3
incorporating a two-stage compression process that generates heat for efficient fuel distribution
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-stage gas compression, storage and distribution system utilizing a hydrocarbon gas from a municipal gaseous supply line in a manner that does not affect an operational integrity of said municipal gaseous supply line includes an inlet line fluidly in fluid communication with a supply of hydrocarbon gas at a first pressure, a first compression unit configured to compress the hydrocarbon gas from the inlet line to a second pressure, a first storage vessel configured to receive the hydrocarbon gas from the first compression unit for storage at the second pressure, a second compression unit configured to compress the hydrocarbon gas from the first storage vessel to a third pressure, and a second storage vessel configured to receive the hydrocarbon gas from the second compression unit for storage at the third pressure.